Our name is derived from El Pueblo del Jardin de Las Cruces, or City of the Garden of the Crosses (history). Over four centuries ago Spanish explorers brought their faith and their language to this land. Today our name reminds us of our history, but also symbolizes our present and our journey toward the future.

We sit at a great crossroads; of Hispanic, Indian and America cultures, of high mountain forest, fertile river valley & vast desert. Our past is a living treasure. You can see it in our traditional architecture, our spicy cuisine and especially in our abundant artwork. Our present is a thriving economy based on agriculture, technology and education at New Mexico State University.

Our landscape is as diverse as our people. To the east the majestic spires of the Organ Mountains rise from the floor of the Chihuahuan desert with its rolling hills and spindly plants. To the west, the Rio Grande cuts a wide green path of tall trees and fertile fields. Overhead is an endless expanse of stunning blue sky where the sun shines almost every day.

It's been a great 151 years of history, at least the recorded type. But to know this city and its people one must dig back to understand the geology, the Spanish and European colonization, the Gadsden Purchase and the growth of two competing towns, Mesilla and Las Cruces. Read the interesting facts and bask in the feeling that this area, and this city, still represents the "old West." [ history ]

is one of the 33 counties in the state of New Mexico, was created in 1852 and is the second most populated county in the state. The county seat, Las Cruces, has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States for the past decade.

The quality of life in the county is characterized by a strong sense of community that is enhanced by a rural lifestyle. Assets identified by residents include peace and quiet, friendliness of the people, wonderful local produce and foods, and terrific weather in a ruralsetting where you can still see the stars.

The County comprises 3,804 square miles in south-central New Mexico, bordering on El Paso County, Texas, to the east andsoutheast and the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, directly to the south, as well as Luna County to the west, Sierra County to the north and Otero County to the east. There are many physically diverse areas within DoŮa Ana, including mountain ranges, valleys and deserts.

In 1900, the county hosted an agriculturally based society with a population of 10,187. The market centers were Las Cruces, El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. By 1990, the county was urbanized with a population of 135,510 and boasted an economy based on service and retail. Rapid population growth has occurred in and around the city of Las Cruces, as well as in the southern part of the county. The part of the county north of Hill remains primarily rural in nature. Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University, as well as DoŮa Ana Branch Community College.

The population has risen dramatically since 1900 and is expected to continue to grow at a rapid pace (4 - 6 percent) during the next 20 years. This translates to a 2015 population of more than 300,000 people. The primary areas of growth will be in the Las Cruces metropolitan area and in the southern sector of DoŮa Ana County.

Mesilla ...

our neighbor to the South offers our area a glimpse of days gone by. Walk through the streets and you'll gather a sense of how a border village looked in the 1800s. It was here that Billy the Kid was tried for murder and sentenced to hang Ė though shortly afterward he escaped. Mesilla was settled in 1850 as part of Mexico until the Gadsden Purchase was signed in 1854 making it a legal part of the United States.

Today, Mesilla offers an array of shopping opportunities as well as frequent cultural events on the plaza. Ever present is the San Albino Catholic Church, still a vital part of the town. Venture off the plaza and find the Fountain Theater and its ghost.

A more leisurely stroll will bring visitors close to an acequia (or water canal) used to irrigate the fertile Mesilla Valley.

The Gadsden Museum, located on Barker Road at Highway 28, is a must-see for history buffs. It recounts the history of famed local personality Albert Jennings Fountain as well as the legend of the Hermit at La Cueva.

Faculty and Staff Regular faculty members on the main campus number 654. Eighty-one percent of the full-time faculty hold earned doctoral degrees. The faculty/student ratio is 1 to 18.5. The professional and classified staff total 2,724.

Local News ...

If you have an interest in the doings in our little corner of the state, read the Sun-News.

The Organ Mountains ...

The backdrop to Las Cruces are the Organ Mountains. The impressions that the mountains leave are many. Here is a sampling ...

If you have ever stood upon the majestic Orp or surveyed the Mesilla Valley from The Wedge, then you are one of the select few who probably know the exact names of all the peaks and formations in the Organ Mountain range. Read the full article, originally published on April 1, 2011 in the Las Cruces Sun-News (http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_17749820). Full article here.

The Chronicles of Las Cruces ...

Itís early in February and letís see. It was on the third I think. The Organ Mountains took their annual day of rest. They didnít leave town, .... (continued)